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Reds

Family Vuina comes from Kaštela near Split, surely not one of the most famous winemaking locations in Croatia, but Neven Vuina will prove you wrong. Variety Babica (related to the more famous Plavac mali) is a rare and indigenous grape and Vuina is the only producer to bottle it and put it on the market.

Plavac Mali: A native grape to Croatia that is grown almost exclusively in the region of Dalmatia. The name literally means, “little blue” in Croatian, which refers to the small, bluish grapes that the vines grow. The wine is actually a hybrid that descends from Crljenak Kaštelanski and Dobričić. The former wine is the Croatian version of what is known as Primitivo in Italy and Zinfandel in California.

Deep flavors of blackberries, pepper, and other spices. Plavac Mali pairs very well with foods and takes very well to aging. It is also one of the few wines that is rarely blended due to its great all-around strengths.

Two Hands have established themselves as Shiraz specialists, taking plots of fruits from various South Australian regions and there putting their own unique spin on them in the winery. This wine is made up of Shiraz fruit from Padthaway and illustrates the cooler climate complexities like pepper and mint. Lots of red fruit on the nose, with a seductive, spicy edge that is reflected on the layered palate, with smooth tannins and an undercurrent of mint.

(bottled two days before my visit): Aromas of blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate are a bit stunted by the bottling. Juicy, primary and tight, offering black fruit, bitter chocolate and espresso flavors framed by firm minerality. There’s a creaminess lurking today but currently this wine is dominated by its sappy lift. Finishes very long and sweet, with noble tannins. This is carrying a relatively low 3.5 pH and appears to be built for a slow evolution in bottle. (6/ 2013)

Intense red colour with a purple rim. A spicy profile with ripe black fruit and violets. Smooth and rich on the palate with soft tannins, good density and a hint of oak. A well balanced, unpretentious wine made for easy drinking.

The 2011 vintage is very floral with predominant notes of violet. Rounding out the nose are aromas of dry herbs and hints of orange peel, white pepper and currant. On the palate, fresh red berries, cassis and strawberry. This wine has plenty of texture and is rich mid-palate, but has a soft and creamy finish.

From the guys who brought your daughter home late comes the fourth release of Sexual Chocolate Wine! Made in Napa, Sexual Chocolate is a true California wine, blending old vine Zinfandel from Napa with northern California Syrah and Petit Syrah. The Zinfandel presents a rich, warm feel that could be confused with biting into a chocolate covered cherry, while the Syrah adds a finish that does not linger after the party is over. The Petit is blended perfectly to display aromatics of magic and love. Sexual Chocolate pairs well with late nights, friends, and a second bottle of Sexual Chocolate.

If you try to find the exact cepage on this always-fantastic red blend, you might find yourself gazing up at the heavens for an answer, since you won’t get one from the winemaker. The Pleiades might be the only super allocated, cult California wine for under $35, and it’s sure to sell out quickly, as previous vintages have. From “One of California’s most iconic and mystical winemakers,” says Robert Parker, “Sean Thackrey has logged in 20 or more vintages of consistently stunning wines that perhaps say it all with the simple quote on his label: -Sean A. Thackrey, Vintner, Bolinas, California.” (08/09)

Try ThisFeatured Wine

This is regarded as the "super second", producing wines that on a good vintage can rival its first growth neighbour. Big and muscular in style, and often taking many decades to reach their peak.
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